For most people, the majority of their day isn’t spent in their bedroom. Time spent eating is typically done in the kitchen, games and entertainment are done in the living room or family room, and quite a few hours aren’t even spent within the walls of your own home. However, the time that is spent in a person’s bedroom is time that should be cherished.

The bedroom is a sanctuary. It’s a place where you can come to get away from the world and relax in your own atmosphere. One major part of creating that perfect atmosphere is lighting. And while many people experience relaxation differently, there are a few tips that can help you to create an ideally lighted environment to make your bedroom a true haven.

1. The Right Lumens

Lumens refer to the strength of the light that is shining from a light fixture. For a bedroom, you generally want ambient lighting that isn’t too harsh yet still allows you to see adequately. Jill Connors, contributor to HGTV, recommends lighting your bedroom to between 2,000 and 4,000 lumens. However, there should be at least 500 lumens coming from reading lamps in order to give your eyes enough light to read by. If you’re looking to independently light your closet spaces, 400 lumens should do the trick there.

2. Avoid Direct Lighting Overhead

Having a ceiling-mounted light directly over your bed can create harsh lighting that you may not want in your bedroom. So rather than this option, Real Simple’s Sarah Stebbins suggests using lamps or sconces for around the bed. The bulbs in these fixtures could be low enough to even seem like candlelight, setting a mood of rest and ease. Stebbins also states that if you have track lighting, be sure to point the light away from the middle of the room or the bed so as to indirectly illuminate the space.

3. Implement a Dimmer

Regardless of the atmosphere you’re looking to create in your bedroom, there will be times when you want a stronger or weaker light. For this reason, consider installing a dimmer to your light fixtures. A dimmer will give you plenty of options for your lighting without having to make various lighting purchases. Not only will a dimmer help you exude the right emotion with your lighting, but Lauren Decarlo of Elle Decor also reminds us that a dimmer is a great way to save on your electricity output and energy bill.

While other factors contributing to the decor of your bedroom may get more attention than the type of lighting you have, there is arguably no better way to set an overall mood for your room than proper and functional lighting. To make your space into exactly what you need in a bedroom, try using some of the above tips to better create a peaceful environment in your bedroom merely by using light.